Do you feel it is disrespectful to sit or not render honors during a televised rendition of the National Anthem?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 10:59:33 -0400

Say you are at home or elsewhere and a event where the National Anthem is being played on television or the radio. Do you feel it is disrespectful to sit or not render honors, be it hand over your heart or a salute, during a televised rendition of the National Anthem?

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Oct 23 at 2017 11:17 AM

SFC Craig Dalen — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 11:17:00 -0400

I feel that if at home it is ok to sit. The colors are not there with you. It is only when the colors are present that you should stand.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 23 at 2017 12:03 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 12:03:36 -0400

There are regulations that require you to sit when on base. When you hear it, stop your car and sit. They don't want to create a safety problem. Most always some exceptions to the rule apply. I remember that too at the BAS when Doc was deep inside a gut.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Oct 23 at 2017 1:01 PM

1stSgt Mack Housman — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 13:01:28 -0400

Under these circumstances, it's a personal decision. I've been retired for several years, but still live close to the Air Force Base. In the evening I'm blessed to be able to hear retreat...and sometime I'm outside when taps is played. I always stop, face the music and render a hand salute. Is it mandatory? No. I always think of those who can't stand for these songs and pay homage. What you do when no one is watching is a better sign of character than what they do when eyes are on them. I guess I've grown to be "old school". I'm an American Warrior first and an American citizen second! God Bless America!!

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Oct 23 at 2017 1:38 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 13:38:26 -0400

In person, yes. As for being at home, etc, no. To me, in that case there is a separation similar to hearing the Anthem played in the background during a radio broadcast.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Oct 23 at 2017 1:49 PM

SSgt Holden M. — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 13:49:53 -0400

It really depends if it happens to be on a tv like at buffalo wild wings and I'm eating with my family then more then likely not but if I'm at like say a superbowl party and everybody that is there is watching the beginning then I would stand and place my hand over my heart.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 23 at 2017 2:11 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 14:11:31 -0400

no I am quiet, I always respect the flag and the stars which I served.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 23 at 2017 3:19 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:19:44 -0400

I have Grandchildren. I want them to have and show respect for the Nation and Flag which symbolizes it. The last thing I want to do is forget they are watching. So whether they are there of not I stand for the National Anthem and the Marine's hymn. The only exception is if I am driving a motor vehicle, which I pull over when safe and wait until the Anthem or Hymn is complete.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Oct 23 at 2017 3:58 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:58:21 -0400

I am always torn when I'm in that situation.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 23 at 2017 7:00 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 19:00:53 -0400

Honestly, I don't know. I've never watched something where the Anthem was actually played on TV. In the very least though, I would expect anyone present in the room to take a moment of silence while it's playing.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2017 7:53 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 19:53:37 -0400

Not in the privacy of one's home. If there are young impressionable children present it would border on disrespect to turn it off or talk over it. They are our future and there may be hope with them. It could also be a good teaching moment as well. Kids remember far more than we sometimes give them credit for. It is your own house though, so it's totally your call. In public, render proper respect per the situation.